HOW WOULD YOU DO BETTER THAN WENGER?

As we're unlikely to see terraces again at football, this is the virtual equivalent where you can chat to your hearts content about all football matters and, obviously, Arsenal in particular. This forum encourages all Gooners to visit and contribute so please keep it respectful, clean and topical.
Babatunde
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HOW WOULD YOU DO BETTER THAN WENGER?

Post by Babatunde »

Ok so there's uniform agreement that Wenger is a useless overpaid git and that his time at Arsenal is finished.
In the real world, we know he won't be getting sacked tomorrow morning - though I would dearly love this to pass.

Now. In the hypothetical world where Wenger gets sacked and Gus Hiddink takes over as Caretaker with Bergkamp as his assistant until the summer....think about it: Arsenal are 5 points or so off the CL places. The transfer window still has a week to run so there is a bit of time.

Now this isn't a 'Who would you sign' thread. It is a 'given the dross at your disposal, what would you do to change Arsenal and try and get us 4th if you were manager'?

I genuinely think there are at least 20 people on this forum who could do a better job than Wenger.

Here's my two cents on what I would do if I was appointed manager tomorrow:

1. Ban on all Twitter accounts.

2. Ban on all pre-match interviews from players. Any interviews need to be approved by the manager first. It is far too easy to feed the press the endless stream of bullshit at the moment. It's either loudmouth Song or some no-mark chatting shit and it needs to stop.

3. Under NO CIRCUMSTANCES do we play 4-5-1 at home against teams outside the top 4. At home to every team from position 5-20 in the PL, the system is 4-4-2. We might only have one striker but then you accommodate the system. That means that you play Van Persie up top with Oxlade-Chamberlain just behind him.

You play a midfield 4 of Wilshere/Arteta/Gervinho (eurgh)
You play Thomas Vermaelen as a DCM. There is no longer oom for Alex Song in this team, the club needs solidity, not the Cameroonian wannabe Zico. Song is Out. Dropped. When he learns defensive discipline, he will play again. Vermaelen is very suspect defensively as showed up a few times against Man U. Stick him in the holding role. Least he has a brain. :shock:

4. Theo Walcott is dropped. He will get chances as a sub.

5. A new keeper of experience is signed. Someone like Schwarzer just as an emergency until season end. Chesney will watch his step for sure then.

6. You stop playing this high line bullshit. It's a ridiculous thing to play a high line when you have Mertesacker in your team. You all saw how many times Welbeck got in behind on Sunday it was embarrassing.

7. Djourou never plays for Arsenal again. Ditto Diaby. Ditto Chamakh.
Song is on a final warning. Ramsey is dropped until he learns basic midfield discipline i.e. cut out the fancy-dan flicks and shit.

8. Every single training session defensive drills will be done as an absolute requirement. Anyone disagreeing with it is dropped. 5-a-side and a laugh is finished. Attacking players will also be taught the defensive side of the game (Cesc has confirmed he learnt more in 2 months at Barca about the defensive side of football than he had during 8 years at Arsenal!)

9. Completely change the training regime as it is clear it is leading to far too many soft tissue injuries. Revise the medical staff.

10. Instruct Chesney that the ball is never to be hoofed out That it is to be rolled out, distributed. Away from home the tactic will be to play a pressing game and to defend deep - and use the pace of Gervinho and Wilshere on the break. At home, it will be a possession game. Simple.

11. Andre Santos is never again to play as a defender. When he does get a chance, it will be ina wide midfield position.

12. Kieran Gibbs is transfer listed,

13. When Theo Walcott plays until the end of the season, he is either to play as a striker in a 4-4-2, or as the wide man in a front 3. He is never to play in midfield again.

14. Substitutions are to be made based on in-game performance and not hierarchy.

15. Arshavin is given one final chance. The first indication of laziness and he is banished.

Just a few random ideas on what a new manager could do, with the shit we have got at the minute.

pingu
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Post by pingu »

Ok all well and good, you have thought long and hard about it but a few little pieces if i may....

No Gibbs or Santos, who would your back four be... as you say there is still time in the transfer market, bringing someone in i assume is your only option?

Gervinhos pace on the counter, yes i agree but wilsheres pace?

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Boomer
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Post by Boomer »

I'd throw the rule book out for a start and review and bring in a whole new backroom staff.

Need ex-players (legends) as coaches to give the players the real meaning of playing for the Arse.
I'd let the manager oversee the coaching but not provide the coaching as currently done.

Bring back suits.
Rather then strolling off the coach wearing a beenie hat and Dr Dre headphones. :roll: Have some respect.

Then I'd start on the playing side of things

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safcftm
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Post by safcftm »

You're right about a high line not being much use when the defence is fairly slow. I'd kick Arshavin out (no doubt someone in Russia would pay decent money for him). With the money I've saved on wages (and made on transfer fee) I'd sign Darren Bent (much though I hate the *word censored* he can get goals). I would then instruct the defensive line to play deeper, allow teams to attack (with little space in behind, quick players will struggle to make an impact and there should be enough physicality in there to deal with powerful players), I'd play Walcott on the right and Chamberlain on the left with Arteta in central midfield to link play when fit (defensive mid would be a more difficult decision), RVP playing just off Bent with the creativity to create the chances he needs to score (whilst still being good enough to get goals himself with Arteta and the Ox providing) and I'd basically use the good passing ability and bags of pace in the side to become an effective counter attacking side, especially away from home

Red Member
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Post by Red Member »

I agree with all of your points apart from the ones about Santos and Gibbs.
I also don't know what Song has done wrong this season. I don't agree with playing Vermaelen in his position.

I especially like points number 5 and 7 :D

good stuff Babatunde :barscarf:

AJAAFC
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Post by AJAAFC »

Red Member wrote:I agree with all of your points apart from the ones about Santos and Gibbs.
I also don't know what Song has done wrong this season. I don't agree with playing Vermaelen in his position.

I especially like points number 5 and 7 :D

good stuff Babatunde :barscarf:

You need to watch Song a bit closer then. He has been caught between 10 to 15 yards too far forward on plenty of occasions. He does the same for Cameroon - marauding forward with no defensive discipline. Watch the first half of Sunday's game again - a typical performance.

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flash gunner
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Post by flash gunner »

AJAAFC wrote:
Red Member wrote:I agree with all of your points apart from the ones about Santos and Gibbs.
I also don't know what Song has done wrong this season. I don't agree with playing Vermaelen in his position.

I especially like points number 5 and 7 :D

good stuff Babatunde :barscarf:

You need to watch Song a bit closer then. He has been caught between 10 to 15 yards too far forward on plenty of occasions. He does the same for Cameroon - marauding forward with no defensive discipline. Watch the first half of Sunday's game again - a typical performance.
:high5:

enjibenji
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Post by enjibenji »

1:) a complete clear out of all the backroom staff and medical team, for far to long this has been an issue

2:) All dead wood, would be put on the transfer list leaving me with what i considerd to be what little quality we have

3:) Bring in "experinced" Footballers who have been there and done that

4:) Have rockys famous quote nailed to the dressing room wall,

5:) Advise the players that if none of my rules are followed then kingjay gets there way with them

Babatunde
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Post by Babatunde »

Boomer wrote:I'd throw the rule book out for a start and review and bring in a whole new backroom staff.

Need ex-players (legends) as coaches to give the players the real meaning of playing for the Arse.
I'd let the manager oversee the coaching but not provide the coaching as currently done.

Bring back suits.
Rather then strolling off the coach wearing a beenie hat and Dr Dre headphones. :roll: Have some respect.

Then I'd start on the playing side of things
The SUITS thing is a terrific shout Boomer. Honestly seeing our lot stroll out in tracksuits for the CC final was a farce.

The other thing is to bring back the code of discipline we had under GG.
As manager, you would never ever have caught Graham dressing the way Wenger did at Swansea. That ridiculous outfit with those tramp trainers and his tracksuit - he didn't treat Swansea with the respect they deserved (he wouldn't dress like that at Old Trafford or Nou Cmap would he?) and got duly spanked.

As manager of Arsenal you represent the institution at ALL times. That means club crest and suit. The same goes for the players. You will have pride in playing for this club again.

One more thing I will add, is that UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES are excuses EVER to be made for a defeat by the management or any players. It will be forbidden to talk about injuries or referees. The blame and excuse-making culture is Out.

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QuartzGooner
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Post by QuartzGooner »

1.) Get Keown, Dixon, Winterburn involved with coaching.

2.) Bring in Vieira for same reason, and as assistant boss.

3.) Full medical review.

Not neccessarily sacking staff, but a look at if we need to spend more on medical equipment or change training methods.
And above all, use Osteopaths not just for injuries, but for regular check ups and posture manipulation, thereby hopefully preventing slight posture misalignments that in turn can lead to muscle injuries.

4.) Full training ground review.

Buy new equipment and expand gym areas if needed.

5.) Repetitive defensive drills.

6.) Recognise that Song is an all round midfielder, but not the dedicated defensive midfielder we usually need.

7.) Flexibility of formations.

8.) Buy a striker to help out Van Persie.

9.) Increase win and goal bonuses, but avoid large wages for unproven players.

10.) Regular "Meet The Fans" events, to improve relationship between core supporters and players.

Babatunde
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Post by Babatunde »

safcftm wrote:You're right about a high line not being much use when the defence is fairly slow. I'd kick Arshavin out (no doubt someone in Russia would pay decent money for him). With the money I've saved on wages (and made on transfer fee) I'd sign Darren Bent (much though I hate the c**t he can get goals). I would then instruct the defensive line to play deeper, allow teams to attack (with little space in behind, quick players will struggle to make an impact and there should be enough physicality in there to deal with powerful players), I'd play Walcott on the right and Chamberlain on the left with Arteta in central midfield to link play when fit (defensive mid would be a more difficult decision), RVP playing just off Bent with the creativity to create the chances he needs to score (whilst still being good enough to get goals himself with Arteta and the Ox providing) and I'd basically use the good passing ability and bags of pace in the side to become an effective counter attacking side, especially away from home
Bent is a decent shout Sunderland man. My main concern with Bent is that when he isn't scoring, he does fuck all. Technically he is weak as piss and adds nothing to the team's possession play etc. Though I see why you would mention him though...

Villa would want silly money for him, at least recoup the £20 mil they spent on him so I don't think it is gonna be feasible really. For that price I would want a longer-term solution and I would go for Llorente because Bilbao are desperate to sell.

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flash gunner
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Post by flash gunner »

QuartzGooner wrote:1.) Get Keown, Dixon, Winterburn involved with coaching.

2.) Bring in Vieira for same reason, and as assistant boss.

3.) Full medical review.

Not neccessarily sacking staff, but a look at if we need to spend more on medical equipment or change training methods.
And above all, use Osteopaths not just for injuries, but for regular check ups and posture manipulation, thereby hopefully preventing slight posture misalignments that in turn can lead to muscle injuries.

4.) Full training ground review.

Buy new equipment and expand gym areas if needed.

5.) Repetitive defensive drills.

6.) Recognise that Song is an all round midfielder, but not the dedicated defensive midfielder we usually need.

7.) Flexibility of formations.

8.) Buy a striker to help out Van Persie.

9.) Increase win and goal bonuses, but avoid large wages for unproven players.

10.) Regular "Meet The Fans" events, to improve relationship between core supporters and players.
Cant argue with this post especially the repetative boring defensive drills

Id also bring in club suits to be worn on matchdays

Id change the formation to play 2 up front

and i'd tell Theo he is playing up front with RVP and has from now till the end of the season to prove he can play there or he'll be sold

Babatunde
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Post by Babatunde »

AJAAFC wrote:
Red Member wrote:I agree with all of your points apart from the ones about Santos and Gibbs.
I also don't know what Song has done wrong this season. I don't agree with playing Vermaelen in his position.

I especially like points number 5 and 7 :D

good stuff Babatunde :barscarf:

You need to watch Song a bit closer then. He has been caught between 10 to 15 yards too far forward on plenty of occasions. He does the same for Cameroon - marauding forward with no defensive discipline. Watch the first half of Sunday's game again - a typical performance.
Everyone is having a pop at Arshavin for the Manure winner (with justification) but have a closer gander at Song's role in it again. When I watched the replay I was livid. Song is literally not marking anyone and not even in the right space. He just watches Valencia...and doesn't make a tackle. He then watches and SEES Welbeck sprinting into the box...and hesitates. He sees Giggs going for the one-two...nothing. He actually doesn't put a foot in at any point.

When Manure went to Newcastle with a midfield of Carrick/Giggs they were made to pay for it and got absolutely destroyed by Tiote and Cabaye. Who were much younger, quicker, hungrier and fitter. And Tiote and Cabaye cost peanuts and earn nothing in comparison to our prima donnas.

Carrick and Giggs came to the Emirates and started. Fergie knew how shit Song was because, having seen what Tiote and Cabaye did to Carrick/Giggs you would think Fergie would think twice before playing those 2 again in a big game. But he knew it was only Song and he played them regardless.

Says it all
:banghead: :banghead:

Babatunde
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Post by Babatunde »

QuartzGooner wrote:1.) Get Keown, Dixon, Winterburn involved with coaching.

2.) Bring in Vieira for same reason, and as assistant boss.

3.) Full medical review.

Not neccessarily sacking staff, but a look at if we need to spend more on medical equipment or change training methods.
And above all, use Osteopaths not just for injuries, but for regular check ups and posture manipulation, thereby hopefully preventing slight posture misalignments that in turn can lead to muscle injuries.

4.) Full training ground review.

Buy new equipment and expand gym areas if needed.

5.) Repetitive defensive drills.

6.) Recognise that Song is an all round midfielder, but not the dedicated defensive midfielder we usually need.

7.) Flexibility of formations.

8.) Buy a striker to help out Van Persie.

9.) Increase win and goal bonuses, but avoid large wages for unproven players.

10.) Regular "Meet The Fans" events, to improve relationship between core supporters and players.
SPOT ON. I especially like the win bonuses idea and the slashing wages of dross idea... :barscarf:

And kudos to whoever mentioned having Rocky's quote nailed to the dressing room wall. Top suggestion.

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safcftm
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Post by safcftm »

Babatunde wrote:
safcftm wrote:You're right about a high line not being much use when the defence is fairly slow. I'd kick Arshavin out (no doubt someone in Russia would pay decent money for him). With the money I've saved on wages (and made on transfer fee) I'd sign Darren Bent (much though I hate the c**t he can get goals). I would then instruct the defensive line to play deeper, allow teams to attack (with little space in behind, quick players will struggle to make an impact and there should be enough physicality in there to deal with powerful players), I'd play Walcott on the right and Chamberlain on the left with Arteta in central midfield to link play when fit (defensive mid would be a more difficult decision), RVP playing just off Bent with the creativity to create the chances he needs to score (whilst still being good enough to get goals himself with Arteta and the Ox providing) and I'd basically use the good passing ability and bags of pace in the side to become an effective counter attacking side, especially away from home
Bent is a decent shout Sunderland man. My main concern with Bent is that when he isn't scoring, he does fuck all. Technically he is weak as piss and adds nothing to the team's possession play etc. Though I see why you would mention him though...

Villa would want silly money for him, at least recoup the £20 mil they spent on him so I don't think it is gonna be feasible really. For that price I would want a longer-term solution and I would go for Llorente because Bilbao are desperate to sell.
Yeah, Villa would be keen to recoup their money but he certainly looks likely to move on again before long. The thing with Bent is that, whilst I definitely agree with you re his contribution if he isnt scoring (some games he only has about 10 touches all match), I think he would fit very well into a pacy counter attacking side (as he has pace and can finish). The way Arsenal play now I dont think he'd be a good signing, but if you looked to transform the playing style he could be an asset.

Llorente is another very good shout though, not quite so suited to a counter attacking game but if you were looking simply to tweak the current side/ strategy (as opposed to completely starting again), Llorente would be an amazing signing- I imagine there'd be a lot of competition for his signature though (I remember Spurs were linked with him previously and there was talk of it costing at least £30m to sign him, although depending on Bilbao's financial situation and Llorente's contract length that might well have dropped now). Him and RVP would strike a fair bit of fear into defences like!

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